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A BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL

Balance over the Artery

3/2/2002

IG QUESTIONS OF "What" and "How" still surround the surface corridor to be
created when the Central Artery comes down despite more than a decade of
planning. What parks, structures, and programs will go in the mile-long string
of parcels? And how will they be built, financed, and maintained?

Still, some gains are beginning to appear.

Boston Parks Commissioner Justine Liff is one who feels that on design
issues, at least, it is time to celebrate - "celebrate the progress that has
been made and consolidate the forward motion," as she said this week.

In particular, open space advocates are expressing interest in some
structures, including a visitor center and gateway to the waterfront at the
foot of State Street. Liff believes agreement may also be reached that the
parcel in front of International Place should accommodate a building of modest
size rather than the tentatively planned rows of trees.

At the same time, proponents of more active development up and down the
corridor are scaling back their proposals.

The most visible advocates of each position, the Boston GreenSpace Alliance
and the Artery Business Committee, are not as far apart as they once were,
according to their respective heads, Patrice Todisco and Richard Dimino.
"We've been trying real hard to find some common ground among the different
perspectives," Dimino said.

Fred Yalouris, director of architecture and urban design for the Central
Artery/Tunnel project, goes one step further: "They're closer than they're
willing to admit," he says.

Despite this heartening evidence of genuine progress, there is much
uncertainty still - too much as the time nears for demolition of the elevated
structure.

The process for picking designers for these parcels has been stopped in its
tracks by differences among advocates, the changing leadership at the Turnpike
Authority, and uncertainty over who will be in charge eventually - a big part
of the "How" question.

As Todisco points out, much more needs to be done to coordinate open space
planning with the housing and other development that is slated for several
parcels, including ones near North Station.

And there are too many ideas for activities - ranging from a skating rink
and wading pool to a carousel to restaurants to a performance space to various
other cultural amenities to harbor-related activities to a community center
for the North End - to fit on the limited space.

More attention needs to go to the edges so the open spaces are enlivened
by activities in adjacent areas, such as first-floor retail space in abutting
buildings.

With continued hard work, bold ideas, and community input, there will be
much more for Liff and others to celebrate.